In a statement, MRT Corp said Azhar’s appointment is effective from May 11.

The appointment marks his return to the organisation he led as its founding CEO from 2011 to 2014.

MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Hashim welcomed Azhar’s appointment, saying his experience will help steer the company into the future.

“As the founding CEO of MRT Corp, Datuk Wira Azhar’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable as the organisation moves forward to develop the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link Project and the exciting MRT 3 Circle Line project, while at the same time, to complete the MRT Putrajaya Line,” said Zarif.

Prior to this, Azhar served as Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman from 2017 to April this year.

He has also held various leadership positions in MSM Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd, Malakoff Corporation, Tradewinds Corporation Berhad, and in the Sime Darby Group, among others.

Azhar, a chartered accountant, was also Malaysian Palm Oil Association chairman between 2001 and 2010.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Azhar told FMT that it “feels good” to be back.

“I want to continue doing the right things for everyone’s benefit,” he said when asked of his immediate plans.

Azhar said he missed the “good people and good work” when he resigned as MRT CEO in 2014 following an incident at a Sungai Buloh MRT worksite that claimed three lives.